In the spirit of starting fresh, I’ve switched domain and platform. Read my new blog here:
http://nouw.com/awelldressedmind
Month: February 2017
TIPS | Makeup
During the past fashion crazed weeks, I have had minimal time for self-pampering. My usual (pretty extensive) beauty routine have been trimmed down to a couple of products, lots of dry shampoo, and not much else. Though not a necessity, it feels very necessary to spend some time on pampering activities. So when my schedule opened up, I booked a makeup artist at Sephora before going out. It’s amazing what an hour in that chair can do to you – I came straight from school, felt tired and exhausted, and left feeling confident and refreshed.
As a VIB Rouge member, I get this treatment for free, but non-members can get a complimentary makeover when buying products for $50; a limit that is pretty attainable at a store like this. It’s the perfect treat for a special occasion or just a night out..
Remember too book your session online in advance.
Enjoy! Xx Hanna
It’s a wrap..
X number of shows, backstage chaos, emergency errands, lists, editors and VIP’s, dresses, shoes, and sleepless nights pretty much sums up my week.The past week has been amazing, and I’ve gained so many new experiences and acquaintances. The highlight? When I ended up a couple of feet away from VOGUE editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. I don’t care too much about celebrities but I have to admit that it is kind of cool to be in the same room as style icons like Anna and Olivia Palermo. Fashion Week is definitely one of those *pinch me* moments.
My last show ended up being the Marchesa Show, and it was A M A Z I N G. I’ll show you more behind-the-scenes pictures later. Right know, this girl needs to catch up on some sleep.
Talk soon! Xx Hanna
Backstage
The alarm rang at 6, and I was out the door at 7 am. I grabbed a cup coffee on my way to class and tried my best not to doze off – it’s rough to have statistics that early. After 4 lectures in a row, I rushed out of One Pace Plaza and hailed a cab at Park Row. Chelsea next. I arrived at the location, got oriented, and from then on out it pretty much went back to back with rehearsals, check-ins, and the show. I actually prefer working shows as opposed to attending them – nothing beats the rush backstage, and the post-show joy you get after a well-produced show.
After 14 hours on the go, I went home, ordered Thai and watched the newest episode of Suits. Next up; bed. I’m beyond tired and have a really early day tomorrow. New York truly is the city that never sleeps. 
I’ll have lots of Fashion Week updates this week. Xx Hanna
Internships 101 | How to get one
As some of you might know, I’m a very driven and ambitious person – I believe that if you work hard, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. In that spirit, I thought to talk to you about internships; one of the best ways get hands on experience and get connected in the industry.
When telling people about my various internships, they often ask me how I go about it. I’m no expert, but I’ve written down a couple of tips that might be helpful for some of you.
THE SEARCHING PROCESS
♥ For fashion internships, I frequently visit Free Fashion Internships, Fashionista and Indeed. Other times, I go directly to the company website – there’s often an email address where you can send an open application. If not, LinkedIn is your best friend.
♥ One of the best ways to obtain an internship is through connections; let the people around that you are looking – you’ll definitely know someone who knows someone. (Remeber to have your business card ready)
♥After finding the internships you would like to apply for, research the respective companies and tailor your cover letter to the company. And whatever you do, do not mix them up; nothing is worse than sending how much you love Armani to Topshop or vice versa.
Photo from one of my first photoshoots as a stylist assistant.
THE INTERVIEW
Over the years I’ve observed and attended my fair share of interviews and picked up some easy-t0-remember guidelines.
♥ Research the company – this way you can bring up things you have learned, and really wow them by adapting your answers to the company’s values.(Values that you hopefully agree with)
♥ Look sharp, but show personality – I try to steer away from the white shirt, black bottom receptionst look, by replacing the shirt with a cute blouse and adding a pair of eye-catching shoes.
♥ Arrive early – you would be surprised how many people come 5 minutes late. It’s never OK.
♥ Bring a hard copy of your resumé – More often the not, the interviewer has not had time to go through the details of your resumé before you meet up. Bringing your resumé shows that you are prepared and proactive.
♥ Last but not least, remember to relax. An interview is not life or death. If you end up getting declined, see the process as an experience, not defeat or waste of time.
Xx Hanna
It’s that time of the year
New York Fashion Week that is. This year, I’ll be working for my former PR agency, and my new internship (which I’ll tell you more about soon). It’s an overwhelming, overworked, and chaotic process, but I love every single minute of it, and I can’t wait to show you guys what goes on ‘behind the scenes’.
Before the week kicks of, I thought to take a trip down memory lane and share some of my first Fashion Week experiences.
♥ One time I ended up sitting next to Giuliana Rancic at the Jenny Packham show. I shivered of excitement and had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Just a couple of years earlier, I dreamt of going to these shows. Fun fact: every time I accomplish something I’ve dreamt of, Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey plays on repeat in my mind – don’t ask me why.
♥ The first time I ever worked NYFW was for Cristina Ruales. In one show I ended up assembling the stage, working the door and dressing the models – it’s a process, but nothing beats the rush of adrenaline you get from being backstage. Or the random conversations you have with the models and designers – fashion people are hilarious.
♥ One time I ended up working fashion week for a gown designer. For the first time since she started, she decided to do a lookbook shoot and presentation, instead of a show. For 2 days, we were 20 people stuffed into a small studio for 14 hours a day. Did I mention this shoot took place on one of the hottest weekends in September? And that the air conditioner was broken? To keep everyone from fainting we had to constantly run out for ice.
♥ When I have friends who are unable to attend shows, they often ask me to go as a replacement – a favor that I am more than happy to do. What I hate, however, is saying someone else’s name at the door. I get red, shivery and super nervous. It may have something to do with the fact that I hate lying, or the fact that I’m surrounded by uberglamorus people. Probably the latter as I usually juggle shows, classes and work.
Xx Hanna
HANNA AASEN 